What Are Relative Clauses?
Relative clauses are subordinate clauses that describe or give more information about a noun mentioned in the main clause. In English, these usually begin with words like “who,” “which,” or “that.” In German, relative clauses work similarly, but there are specific rules you need to master, especially regarding word order and the use of relative pronouns.
Relative Pronouns in German
The most common relative pronouns in German are der, die, das (which correspond to “who,” “which,” or “that” in English). These pronouns must agree with the noun they refer to in gender and number, but their case depends on their function in the relative clause.
Relative Pronoun Table
| Case | Masculine | Feminine | Neuter | Plural |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | die | das | die |
| Accusative | den | die | das | die |
| Dative | dem | der | dem | denen |
| Genitive | dessen | deren | dessen | deren |
How to Form Relative Clauses in German
To form a relative clause, follow these steps:
- Identify the noun you want to give more information about.
- Choose the correct relative pronoun based on the noun’s gender, number, and its role in the relative clause.
- Place the relative pronoun at the start of the clause, immediately after the noun it describes.
- Move the conjugated verb to the end of the relative clause.
Examples
Das ist der Mann, der im Park joggt.
That is the man who jogs in the park.
Ich lese das Buch, das du empfohlen hast.
I am reading the book that you recommended.
Hier ist die Frau, deren Auto gestohlen wurde.
Here is the woman whose car was stolen.
Key Rules to Remember
- Commas are required: Always separate the relative clause from the main clause with commas.
- Verb at the end: The verb in the relative clause always goes to the end.
- Case matters: The case of the relative pronoun is determined by its role in the relative clause, not the main clause.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many German learners make these mistakes:
- Using the wrong relative pronoun case—double-check whether the pronoun is the subject, direct object, or indirect object in the relative clause.
- Forgetting to put the verb at the end of the clause.
- Missing commas around the relative clause.
With practice and regular exposure, especially using tools like Talkpal’s AI-powered language exercises, you can avoid these errors and become comfortable using relative clauses in conversation and writing.
When to Use Relative Clauses in German
Relative clauses are commonly used to:
- Provide additional information about a person or thing
- Clarify which person or thing you are referring to
- Join related ideas smoothly, making your German sound more natural and fluent
Tips for Mastering German Relative Clauses
- Practice reading and listening to native German content, paying attention to how relative clauses are used.
- Create your own sentences using different relative pronouns and cases.
- Use language learning platforms like Talkpal to get instant feedback and personalized exercises focused on relative clauses.
Conclusion
Mastering relative clauses is a significant step in your German learning journey. They make your language richer and your communication clearer. By understanding the rules, practicing regularly, and seeking feedback, you’ll soon use German relative clauses with confidence. For more tips, exercises, and interactive lessons, explore the German learning resources on Talkpal’s blog and platform.
